Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro Daybreak March 1

Nike is advancing the Kobe 9 EM Protro with a new Daybreak colorway arriving March 1st. While the ninth signature shoe has lived somewhat in the shadow of its more celebrated predecessors, it remains a meaningful entry in the brand's basketball lineage and continues to resonate with those who trace the full arc of Kobe's on-court evolution.

Design & Positioning

The Kobe 9 occupies a particular moment in the signature line's trajectory—one that balanced lightweight performance innovation with the maturity of Kobe's later career. The EM Protro designation signals a contemporary remastering, applying modern material science and construction methods to the original framework. The Daybreak iteration introduces a colorway built around subtle, gradient-influenced tones that suggest dawn light rather than relying on bold contrast or flashy detailing.

Release Info

Release Date: March 1, 2026
Model: Nike Kobe 9 EM Protro "Daybreak"
Availability: Nike SNKRS and select Nike Basketball retailers
Retail Price: TBD

The Kobe 9 EM Protro Daybreak arrives as part of Nike Basketball's ongoing effort to cycle through the Mamba's catalog with modern sensibility—honoring the archive while maintaining relevance for current and future audiences.